Why Transit?


Keeping Pace with Our Changing Community

HART is considering transit investments to address existing and future transportation needs within our community. As the region continues to grow and traffic increases, the need for viable transportation choices is increasingly important to preserve and enhance our economy and our quality of life. High quality transit can provide a convenient alternative to driving on congested roadways, while providing mobility for those without cars.

Population

  • Population in Hillsborough County is expected to increase 73% by 2035
  • The study area population is expected to increase 81% by 2035

Employment

  • Employment in Hillsborough County is expected to increase 75% by 2035
  • The study area employment is expected to increase 77% by 2035

Traffic

  • Growth in vehicle miles traveled in Hillsborough County is expected to almost
    double by 2035
  • The region has very few travel choices, leaving most people to drive their cars.
  • Tampa has a 47.5% daily increase in population due to daily commuters, ranking third among United States cities in daytime population increases
  • The study area - especially USF, downtown Tampa, and Westshore - attracts a large number of trips
  • Existing HART bus routes between USF and downtown Tampa have the highest ridership levels
  • Increased travel demand and limits to road capacity means many roadways currently carry more vehicles than they were intended to handle - meaning CONGESTION
  • Many roadways in Hillsborough County are considered "constrained highways" because neighborhood, policy, right-of-way, and environmental constraints preclude the addition of travel lanes.

How Transit Benefits Everyone

Even if you don't use transit regularly, you can realize some benefits from the transit system. Transit can:

  • Reduce the number of vehicles on the roadways
  • Preserve green space by encouraging compact development
  • Reduce our carbon footprint
  • Improve mobility
  • Offer more travel options
  • Increase values of properties surrounding the transit line
  • Increase the tax base for the community
  • Create jobs
  • Enhance the local economy

Sources: Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, US Census Bureau, and HART.